The Reel Story: In His Quest for Fame & Fortune He Found a Pearl of Great Value

Rating:
Summary: A convicting book.
Review: I found this man's autobiography entertaining, encouraging, and convicting. Mr. Vaughn goes through many events in his life that in hindsight show the providence of God in bringing a man to Christ and shaping that man into an image of his Savior. Mr. Vaughn's own struggle with staying in the movie industry reminded me of 2 Tim. 3:12 as he faced much ridicule for the decisions he made regarding his career. His story also made me re-evaluate my own habits regarding movies. I strongly recommend this book to anyone.

Rating:
Summary: An encouraging Real-Life story!
Review: This book is an amazing story of a man's quest for happiness in his life. From chain-smoker, hard gambler, and film buyer to a Christian man struggling to go two directions at once - toward solid Christian growth and toward worldly living. I've personally seen Larry Vaughn and his family - a sweet Christian family willing to sacrifice all worldly goods for true happiness, found only in Jesus Christ. This book is a must-read for Christians looking for encouragement, or non-Christians who are searching as Larry Vaughn was, for "a pearl of great price."

Rating:
Summary: He misses the point.....
Review: This was a very disjointed written book. Mr. Vaughn goes back and forth in the timeline to the point of confusion. There are 386 pages and I think the topic could have been covered in half of that space. He doesn't pray that God will take away the draw of gambling; instead he finds ways to humanly stay away, such as walking through different lobbies so he won't have to face slot machines, etc. I feel he stayed in the film business long enough to financially benefit him and the lifestyle to which he had become accustomed. For example, when he came under conviction to quit the film business and gave his notice to his boss, the boss came back with the compromise that Mr. Vaughn would not have to view the films anymore, just decide what would be shown. So even though he was staying true to his belief that the films were vulgar or obscene, he was still promoting them to get into theatres which in effect allowed Satan to get his foot in yet another door. I did come away with some good from this book. The power and importance of witnessing brought me under conviction. But overall, I just felt that he goes not trust God totally, or perhaps was unable to convey that message in print.